Koyna Dam

• The Koyna Dam is the largest dam in Maharashtra.The Dam is located in Koyana Nagar, Satara District.
• It is a rubble-concrete dam constructed on the Koyna River.
• The catchment area of the Koyna Dam blocks up the Koyna River and creates the Shivsagar Lake, which is roughly 50 km long.
• The dam plays a vital role in flood control during monsoon season.

Koyna River

• The Koyna River is a tributary of the Krishna river which originates in Mahabaleshwar, Satara district, Western Maharashtra.
• Unlike most of the other rivers in Maharashtra which flow East-West direction, the Koyna River flows in North-South direction.
• Koyna River is supported by four tributaries. They are Kera, Wang, Morna and Mahind. 

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

It is a law passed by the Indian government in 2005 that guarantees the "right to work" to rural citizens of India. Under this, the government assures a minimum of 100 days of unskilled manual work to an adult member of an eligible rural household. The main objective of the MGNREGA is to provide employment to rural citizens and improve their economic conditions.

Significance of MGNREGA

• Infrastructure: MGNREGA has helped to improve the infrastructure and natural resource base of the rural poor, which has had a positive impact on the environment. The program has also helped to improve the accessibility of basic services in rural areas, such as water, sanitation, and housing.
• Compensating income loss: As per a study conducted by Azim Premji University across four states (Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh), MGNREGA helped in compensating 20-80% of the income loss incurred because of the Covid-19 induced lockdown.
• Preventing migration to urban areas: The goal is also to decrease migration from rural areas to urban areas by utilizing the untapped labor in rural areas. 
• Livelihood: It seeks to improve the livelihoods of the rural poor and create durable assets such as wells, ponds, roads, and canals. 

Challenges and issues

• Corruption: There have been instances of corruption, particularly in the form of embezzlement of funds and manipulation of records. For example, a recent example of an IAS officer in Jharkhand was accused of corruption in MGNREGA.
• Limited job opportunities: MGNREGA provides only 100 days of employment per person per year, which may not be enough to meet the needs of all rural citizens.
• Lack of awareness: Many rural citizens are not aware of their rights under MGNREGA, and as a result, they do not take advantage of the benefits it offers. 
• Bureaucratic delays: The program is often bogged down by bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies, making it difficult for citizens to access benefits in a timely manner. For example, delay in payments in Andhra Pradesh.

EU Carbon Border Adjustment Tax

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which would impose a carbon tax on imports of goods created using non-green or environmentally unsustainable technologies, will be implemented by the European Union (EU) starting in October 2023.

Challenges in Implementation of CBAM

• Contrary to the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
• Lack of Global Consensus: The EU''s pursuit of a uniform global environmental standard faces criticism in light of the global consensus outlined in Article 12 of the Rio Declaration. This article asserts that standards applicable to developed countries should not be imposed on developing nations.
• Issues in Greenhouse Gas Inventories: Additionally,the policy''s requirement to adjust the greenhouse content of imports in the inventories of importing countries challenges the conventional approach to greenhouse gas accounting.

 Implications for India Due to CBAM

• India’s exports of energy-intensive goods including steel, aluminium, cement, and fertilizers are anticipated to suffer significantly from the EU’s adoption of the CBAM.
• In the EU market, Indian exporters are expected to see increased pricing, less competitiveness, and decreased demand for their products.
• Implementing the CBAM is expected to pose a significant challenge to India’s metal sector. In 2022, 27 percent of India’s exports of Iron, steel and aluminium products went to the EU.
• Starting January 1, 2026, the EU will begin collecting carbon tax on each consignment of steel and aluminium, which will result in Indian firms paying an amount equivalent to 20-35 percent of tariffs.

Economic survey

The Economic Survey of India is an annual document prepared by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. It serves as a comprehensive report on the state of the economy, offering insights into economic trends, policy developments, and future prospects.

Objectives

• Evaluation of Economic Performance: Provides an assessment of economic growth, inflation trends, fiscal health, and sectoral performance over the past year.
• Policy Analysis and Recommendations: Offers policy insights and recommendations to address economic challenges and promote sustainable growth.
• Data Transparency: Enhances transparency by presenting detailed economic data, facilitating informed decision-making by policymakers and stakeholders.

Key Components

• Macroeconomic Overview: Includes analysis of GDP growth, inflation rates, fiscal deficits, and monetary policy measures.
• Sectoral Analysis: Covers performance and challenges in agriculture, industry, services, and infrastructure sectors.
• Social Sectors and Inclusiveness: Highlights developments in education, healthcare, gender issues, and poverty alleviation efforts.
• External Sector: Examines trade balances, foreign exchange reserves, and implications of global economic trends on India.

National Flag Day

National Flag Day in India is celebrated annually on July 22 to commemorate the historic day when the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the present-day tricolour flag as the official National Flag of the country. This significant day marks the official selection of the tricolour flag with its deep saffron, white, and Indian green stripes, and the Ashoka Chakra in the centre. 

Significance of National Flag Day Celebrations

• Historical Commemoration –Indian National Flag Day, observed on 22nd July, marks the adoption of India’s tricolour National Flag by the Constituent Assembly in 1947. This event occurred just weeks before India gained independence from British colonial rule on 15th August 1947, making it a crucial milestone in the nation’s history.
• Symbol of Unity and Identity – The National Flag is more than a symbol, it embodies the unity, diversity, and aspirations of the Indian people. Celebrations reaffirm these values and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters who fought for India’s freedom.
• Educational Value –Through various activities such as educational workshops, lectures, and exhibitions, National Flag Day fosters a deeper understanding among citizens, especially youth, about the flag’s history, significance, and the principles it represents—democracy, diversity, and inclusiveness.
• Patriotic Sentiment –Celebrations evoke a sense of pride and patriotism among citizens. It encourages respect for national symbols and reinforces the values of independence, sovereignty, and national pride.